Sunday, 12 July 2015

valley of the dolls

Whilst reading "Valley of the Dolls" last month I fell in love with trashy Hollywood vibes. Such sickly sweet images can sometimes hide something more sour and sinister and it is this paradox that I find endlessly fascinating. Even when you are aware of the illusory nature of the American dream of making it as a movie star and being ceaselessly happy for the rest of your life, you cannot help but long for a lifestyle of hot pink and swimming pools; flashing lights and fawning fans. Ask me what I've done since I finished exams and I'd probably mumble a sentence or two about Alexander McQueen and a couple of other days out, but other than that I couldn't really say. Summer has reached the point where everyday merges together and I am daydreaming of a different life full of exciting events, champagne parties, rooftop pools. Though this life would look pretty from the exterior, it would not be sustainable in reality.

In "Valley of the Dolls" the main characters all appear to have achieved their dreams, but in reality their lives are falling apart. I find such disparity between appearance and reality really interesting, even more so given the rise of social media platforms such as Instagram where you have the ability to make your life look perfect. Fashion is also often guilty of such glamorisation. One editorial can give the appearance of a flawless yet unattainable lifestyle. I channel the dreamy Hollywood aesthetic through wearing obnoxiously girly clothes. "Valley of the Dolls" could be seen as obnoxiously girly literature, but partly because of that it is laced with feminist ideals that help to make it a brilliant read.

ABOUT

Hi I’m Sophie. I’m a writer and freelance fashion journalist based in Kent/London. I keep this blog to document my interests and various style inspirations. You can contact me at sophie.wilson09a@hotmail.co.uk